OXFORD Bus Company has become the first bus operator in the UK to use new technology to make it easier for passengers to be reunited with their lost belongings.

It has link up with NotLost, a lost property software supplier.

The NotLost platform enables bus company staff to digitally log misplaced items quickly and the system helps match them to the rightful owner.

Earlier this year the company revealed 2,800 items were lost in 2018 with just under 1,000 items left unclaimed which were donated to local charities or safely disposed of.

Among the items left on buses and coaches were a lightsaber, a fireman’s hat, vampire teeth, a Soviet Union hat and a letter detailing sexual fantasies.

READ AGAIN: Bizarre things left on Oxford buses

Lost property enquiries were the biggest reason for people telephoning the Oxford Bus Company.

Andy Morison, head of customer experience at Oxford Bus Company, said: “Losing a personal item can often be a very stressful event and it is important we provide a fast and effective service to reunite lost belongings with its rightful owner. "Advances in technology have now enabled us to introduce a new market leading software solution that has improved our lost property operation.

READ MORE: More bike racks created in North Parade in Oxford

"It is another way of ensuring we provide a first-class service to our passengers, while also improving our internal operational efficiency. The system is cloud-based and does not require any specific equipment so it was really simple and quick to implement."